Who likes Desert Ironwood

BenR.T.

BenR.T.

Tanto grinder & High performance blade peddler
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Apr 18, 2011
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I am liking it more and more every time I use it on a knife. Whether it is burl or high contrast or just "plain", it has a glow that nothing else has.

Here are two different knives I just finished up, both with really nice Ironwood handles. The first one is my new model "Compact" scout with a 3.5"
blade and the second is my full size scout with a 4 3/8" blade.
Both have CPM 154 blades that have a nice stonewashed finish with polished spines. The pins a carbon fiber and the lanyard tubes are copper.

Any and all comments welcome!





the larger one....









 
you're rockin that handle contouring like nobody's business!
Interesting contrast of the contouring with the geometry and bold lines of the profile. The contrasty wood, (which is beautiful) speaks to this.
Not a fan of the lined lanyard hole, I think it would look more cohesive without.
A hand rubbed or polished blade would add an extra touch of class, imo.
 
Looks like a super user, Ben, I do like tubed/lined thongholes.
Nicely tapered tang.
..and DI RULES as far as I'm concerned, beautiful and bombproof.

Doug
 
Great looking little knives; classic shapes on handle and blade; love the Ironwood; and a super useful choice of steel.

John
 
Looks great, I love the look of ironwood!

I heard somewhere that desert ironwood was no longer legal to harvest due to shortages and it was added to the protected list. Can anyone confirm that? If true, the remaining sources of D.I. are going to dry up pretty quickly. :(
 
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Thanks for all of the kind words everyone!!

Lorien said:
you're rockin that handle contouring like nobody's business!
Interesting contrast of the contouring with the geometry and bold lines of the profile. The contrasty wood, (which is beautiful) speaks to this.
Not a fan of the lined lanyard hole, I think it would look more cohesive without.
A hand rubbed or polished blade would add an extra touch of class, imo.
Click to expand...

Thanks Lorien. I am the opposite I guess, an empty lanyard hole looks unfinished to me. The one thing I like about the copper, is that if you didn't like the bright finish you could always patina it or just let it darken naturally.
Hand rubbed does look sweet! I think the contrast between the polished spine and satin stonewashed blade look really nice and are very user friendly.
I appreciate the feedback!

You won't ever see a mirror polished blade from me. :D

Maverick299 said:
Looks great, I love the look of ironwood!

I heard somewhere that desert ironwood was no longer legal to harvest due to shortages and it was added to the protected list. Can anyone confirm that? If true, the remaining sources of D.I. are going to dry up pretty quickly. :(
Click to expand...

It can be hard to find nice pieces, and its not getting any cheaper. I have heard the same, but don't know for sure.
 
I can't get over how clean your work is, Ben - and you're right, ironwood is great looking stuff. Smells nice, too. ; )
 
Very special knives - I like them.
While the lines are simple it is complex too.
It takes more than a look.
Great work.
red mag

PS: absolutely like the DI
 
Matthew Gregory said:
I can't get over how clean your work is, Ben - and you're right, ironwood is great looking stuff. Smells nice, too. ; )
Click to expand...

That means a lot Matt, thanks very much!

red mag said:
Very special knives - I like them.
While the lines are simple it is complex too.
It takes more than a look.
Great work.
red mag

PS: absolutely like the DI
Click to expand...

Thanks so much!
 
medicevans said:
Ben, those are very nice, very clean. Can I ask how you did the blade finish?
Click to expand...

They have a stonewashed finish. You have to start with at least a 220-320 finish, sandblast, and them tumble. If I want a darker finish I will give it a soak in feric after blasting and then tumble.
 
Truly beautiful. Love the stitch detailing and leather finish for the sheath. Do you sell these online?

Ahhh seen the link! will be having a good look soon. Discounts available for bladeforums members?
 
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Love these knives and love Desert Ironwood. It always looks amazing.
Regards
 
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